March 2009 New Specialty Toys — All

This lightweight running bike is designed to help children gain practice in balance and control as they ride without pedals. It features a steel frame and handlebars and has Launch Pad™ footrests. The handlebar and seat height are adjustable to accommodate riders from 30" to 44" tall. Rider weight limit is 50 lbs. The bike is available in green, red, blue, yellow, orange and pink.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy.
— As of 7/21/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 140 review on Amazon.com.
— "We've sold 10 of the 12 [bikes]," Fred Meyer, owner of Meyer's Toy World in Battle Creek, Mich., told TDmonthly of this new product in his store in April 2010.

For the group that likes to have some competitive fun. Mashoonga!® Sabers by Revel King are new and unique sport toys for playing the new game of Mashoonga!. These are quality made products that will hold up to the intended abuse they will get. So, revel on!

The Dangerous Book for Boys: Electronics presents information on electronics every child should know through fun, engaging, and impressive experiments and activities. Children ages eight and up learn how to construct simple electronic toys, such as a joy buzzer and insect.  It comes with a 32-page, full-color experiment manual and retails for $35.95. Launch date: Fall 2009.

This game includes an inflatable globe with more than 270 animals printed on it. The point of the game is to locate the animal using a variety of clues. Children 4 and up can play up to four levels. Level 1 starts by identifying an animal's silhouette in among one of six sections of the globe. With the highest level, the player is only given a verbal description of the animal. "Everyone is able to play given that the game has different levels of difficulty," Shantel Cartwright, in sales and marketing for TEDCO Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2009.

This interactive flat disc with several informational windows provides valuable information about the states and Presidents of the United States, including Barack Obama. It may be stored in a three-ring binder. "This product is considered 'green' do to its lack of throw-away packaging," Shantel Cartwright, in sales and marketing for TEDCO Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2009.

These plush robots are available in 10 varieties. Each Bunk Bot has its own story and REAL ROBOT JOB printed on its hang tag. "In addition to industry-standard polyester fiber, each Bunk Bot is stuffed with a microscopic amount of AWESOME. This ingredient gives it an edge over most plush toys," Jason Hilbourne, general manager of Huge Factory, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 15, 2008.

This colorful collection of fruits and vegetables from the HABA garden consists of a leek, a banana with a removable peel, two carrots and two tomatoes with rattles, all in a wooden basket. The fabric items are machine washable. Launch date: 2009.

Players race to play all their cards by matching colored rings on the previously played card. Quick minds and fast fingers will triumph. The game "challenges your visual interpretation skills," Leah Osterhaus, VP of marketing for Out of the Box Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 15, 2009.
Awards: 2009 Major Fun Award

This soft bunny rattle contains a soft bell that sounds when shaken. The machine-washable, air-dry rattle was designed in Germany. Launch date: June 2009.
— Elizabeth Ryan, owner of Tales & Toys in Venice, Calif., sells “a lot of Haba rattles,” she told TDmonthly in spring 2009.
— Four of 64 retailers named Haba when discussing best-selling infant and toddler products in March 2009.

Frederik has a removable saddle, bridle and magnetic clover leaf. The horse is machine washable and can be air dried. Launch date: June 2009.

Players add or subtract 1, 2 or 3 to the number on the top card of the pile to determine if they have a card that can be played next. It sounds simple, but with everyone playing simultaneously, the options are constantly changing. The first player out of cards wins. The game is for two to four players and offers "quick, easy and fun mental math practice," Leah Osterhaus, VP of marketing for Out of the Box Publishing, told TDmonthly. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: July 15, 2009.
Awards: 2009 Major Fun; 2010 Parent's Choice Silver

Sweet soft Sissi pony is an accessory to the HABA 12” dolls. Sissi has a chenille mane and the entire pony is machine washable (gentle cycle, air dry). Launch date: June 2009.

On each turn, one team flips over a category card. Team members frantically brainstorm words that fit the category while the opposition tries to sidetrack them. The team must agree on a word and pull each letter of that word one lane closer to their side of the street, all before the time runs out. "It has excellent educational applications but feels like a party game," Leah Osterhaus, VP of marketing for Out of the Box Publishing, told TDmonthly. Awards: 2009 Oppenheim Gold Award; 2009 Major; 2010 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Products; 2010 Mensa Select. Launch date: June 2009.
— "A great language skills development game. I wonder if they are going to make a Spanish version," Jennifer Shuman, owner of 1SmartNoodle, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.

Made in Germany, this beechwood wagon is not only a multi-play-value toy but also a walker wagon. The front wheels have adjustable brakes to allow parents to adjust the ease of movement based upon their child’s ability. It offers role-play activities, including operating a hand saw, hammer, screwdriver and wrench. The wagon consists of solid beechwood with natural, water-based, non-toxic stains. Launch date: July 2009.

This is a heat and cold therapy item that looks like a stuffed animal and is part of the Toasty Wild Animal Collection. It can be a calming, soothing aid for children, and also may comfort those with Alzheimer's, anxiety or sore muscles. The elephant can be warmed in the microwave to deliver heat therapy, or placed in the freezer to deliver cold therapy for up to two hours. Launch date: 2007.

The Golden Dragon has been discovered and ninja players must be the first to reach its location. To move throughout the game, players roll one of two sets of dice and solve the number challenge rolled. The skill level of each player determines which set of dice that ninja will use. To win the game, ninjas will solve four word challenges. While moving throughout the lands, other ninjas will try to trap opponents and block their way to the Golden Dragon. "Players will be having so much fun they won't realize they may actually be reinforcing their math skills while playing," Tami Murphy, marketing manager of The Haywire Group, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2009.

Rubber chicken meets disc golf in this ridiculously fun game.  Players each choose a different colored rubber chicken.  One player throws the target nice and far!  The target becomes the "hole," like in golf.  Players then take turns flickin' their chicken at the target.  If you don't make it on the target, throw again from where it landed. Each throw counts as a point.  Try to land any part of your rubber chicken on the target within the least amount of throws as possible. The player with the lowest score after nine-rounds is the winner.  For 2- 4 players. 

When placed in water, these animals grow to 600 percent of their size in two to three weeks. The series includes the following designs: Alligator, Clownfish, Frog, Manta Ray, Penguin and Shark. "These wonderful Growing Animals truly G-R-O-W! [They are] beautifully designed and packaged for an attractive presence at retail," Shelley Williamson, in sales and marketing for Warm Fuzzy Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

The base of the Rolling Earth Puzzle Bank is a savings bank with a screw-on cover. The Earth Globe is a puzzle. Place the globe on the base and nothing happens; however, place the magnetic jet airliner on the equator and the globe begins to turn as the jet circumnavigates the Globe. It runs on 4 AA batteries and comes assorted with light blue and dark blue globes. "People will be amazed by the simplistic magnetic science that makes the Earth turn. The motion is mesmerizing as the plane moves around the globe," Richard B. Freeman, VP of domestic sales for Fascinations Toys & Gifts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2009.

Each alarm makes the sound of the animal on the dial, so the dog barks, the frog ribbits and the butterfly kisses. Batteries are included. The product features a clear-box design with a "hear me" option that allows customers to hear the sound of the clock alarm sound inside the package. The product is 7" tall, with a 4"-diameter clock face. "Bright colors and clearly printed numbers make it fun for children to learn how to tell time," a representative of Streamline Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007.

The Dumbell Rattle is handcrafted in wood and colored with natural, vegetable-based dyes. It makes gentle sounds, is safe for babies, and is made by Channapatna artisans in India. The craft is over two centuries old and is made in locally available, sustainable (Hale) wood. The toy is in compliance with the ASTM F963 Safety Standard. Earthentree Toys has been awarded the Baby Planners' Seal of approval and featured as one of Mothering Magazine's "Best Natural Toys of 2008." "The shiny gloss comes from natural 'Shellac' resin. The Shellac used is allnatural and hypoallergenic; it is an excellent product for use around children [or] chemically-sensitive or allergic individuals," Deepti Shankar, president of Earthentree Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

The Incredible Treasure Hunt Party Games are themed Treasure Hunt Party Kits that come complete with a beautiful wooden treasure chest, a set of themed clues, eight party invitations, and eight prize-filled loot bags containing more than 60 themed prizes. They are designed to offer everything parents need to host a fun and exciting party. There are three steps to set-up. First, hide the clues and treasure chest in the designated areas found on the Secret Hiding Places Guide prior to the party. Next, gather the party-goers around, and then, read the first clue aloud to start the Incredible Treasure Hunt. "The real wooden chest is a substantial and attractive piece that sets it apart from other games, and the cute characters, clever clues and multiple themes to choose from make it unique," Lisa Howard, CEO of Party Innovations, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

These natural wood construction sets are made using wood from sustainable forest management practices and are packaged in a cotton duck canvas bag. There are also sets in canisters and tubs to make cabins, forts and treehouses. The interlocking pieces require no tools and provide hours of safe and educational fun. The sets are made in the USA. Launch date: 2008.

Bamboo Sunshine Dollhouse is constructed of sustainable bamboo and includes a working solar panel in the roof.  An adjustable, fully operational solar panel absorbs light energy and transfers it to four rechargeable batteries through wiring in the walls, just like in a real house. This energy then lights five LEDs to brighten three rooms of the house with just a push of a button. A light, water-based stain is used on the bamboo and then polished with beeswax. This dollhouse comes fully furnished with nine rooms of bamboo furniture and a modern family of five. "The three-level home is the first dollhouse to offer eco-friendly materials with contemporary designs and modern technology, satisfying both a parent's interest in green products and a child's fascination with role play," Robin Lehnert, marketing manager at Hape, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.